New Zealand Clinches Tri-Nation Series with Dominant Win Over Pakistan
Pakistan had no answer in the final as New Zealand claimed the Tri-Nation Series title, winning all three of their matches. This victory boosts the Kiwis’ confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy.
The contrast in Pakistan’s batting performances over two games was stark. After chasing down a record 350+ total in their previous match, they failed to reach even 250 in the final. That resulted in a one-sided contest, with Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner leading the bowling attack, followed by match-winning fifties from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham.
Kiwis Dominate in Karachi
On Friday, New Zealand secured a 5-wicket victory in Karachi, completing a flawless series campaign by winning all three matches. This sets them up well for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which kicks off on the same ground next Wednesday with another clash between these two teams.
Pakistan, batting first, was bowled out for 242 in the final over. No batter reached fifty, and among the top seven, only one maintained a strike rate above 100.
O’Rourke Shines with the Ball
Young pacer Will O’Rourke was New Zealand’s standout performer, taking 4 wickets for 43 runs, earning him the Player of the Match award. Santner was equally effective, conceding just 20 runs in his 10 overs while picking up two wickets. Michael Bracewell also chipped in with 2 wickets for 38 runs.
Comfortable Chase for New Zealand
New Zealand chased down the target with 28 balls to spare. Mitchell’s 57 off 58 balls and Latham’s 56 off 64 guided them home after their previous struggles in the series. Latham, who had scored three ducks in his last three innings, finally found form.
Despite missing key players like Lockie Ferguson for the entire series and Ben Sears, Matt Henry, and Rachin Ravindra for the final, the Kiwis showcased their depth. Their journey to the title included victories over South Africa and two wins against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Batting Falters
Opting to bat first, Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman in the fourth over as O’Rourke struck early. Saud Shakeel fell to Bracewell soon after.
Babar Azam, who needed 10 runs to become the joint-fastest to 6,000 ODI runs alongside Hashim Amla, reached the milestone but couldn’t anchor the innings. He departed for 29, caught and bowled by Nathan Smith.
At 54/3 in the 12th over, Pakistan was under pressure. Mohammad Rizwan (46 off 76) and Salman Ali Agha (45 off 65) steadied the ship with an 88-run partnership, but their dismissals triggered another collapse.
Tayyab Tahir played a quick cameo of 38 off 33, while Faheem Ashraf (22 off 21) and Naseem Shah (19 off 17) helped Pakistan cross 240. However, the total was never going to be enough.
New Zealand’s Chase in Control
The Kiwis lost Will Young early, but a 71-run stand between Devon Conway (48) and Kane Williamson (34) set the platform. Mitchell and Latham then put together the match-winning 87-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Mitchell completed his fifty off 56 balls before falling to Abrar Ahmed. Latham, after surviving two chances, reached his half-century in 60 balls. Glenn Phillips (20*) and Bracewell (2*) sealed the win with ease.
Match Summary
- Pakistan: 242 all out in 49.3 overs (Rizwan 46, Salman 45, Tahir 38; O’Rourke 4/43, Bracewell 2/38, Santner 2/20)
- New Zealand: 243/5 in 45.2 overs (Mitchell 57, Latham 56, Conway 48; Naseem 2/43, Abrar 1/67)
Result: New Zealand won by 5 wickets.
Player of the Match: Will O’Rourke
Player of the Series: Salman Ali Agha
